I got a question this week on LinkedIn (yes, you can find me there!) about chia seeds so let’s take a look:

What are they?: They are small black seeds from the chia plant which is native to Mexico and Guatemala.   They look a little like poppy seeds but are larger.

What’s the benefit of eating/using or cooking with them?
Chia seeds are a source of fiber, omega 3-fatty acids, and protein.  

The one micronutrient that most all would do well to increase is fiber.

“Fibermaxxing” has had a moment on TikTok with people conducting fiber challenges to see how much they could consume.

Most Americans don’t come close to getting sufficient fiber in their daily diet.

I was once a real sucker for the New Year’s Eve hoopla — toasting with champagne and making grandiose resolutions, but the past couple of December 31sts, I’ve felt a little lackluster in terms of the anticipatory energy that typically surrounds the beginning of another year. 

Late Monday morning. While taking a sip of my coffee at the Main Street Diner in Waynesville, I scanned the room at the tables filled with faces enjoying warm meals and hearty conversation. It was at that very moment when I started thinking about this anonymous postcard I received several years ago. 

Two of the trends/fads that you can expect to see reflected in products on the shelves at your local Ingles Markets are callouts for protein amounts and callouts for fiber amounts.  

Both protein and fiber are macronutrients. 

Most people think about protein coming from meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products and fiber coming from fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains.  

Even though we’re already a couple weeks into 2025, I’m still feeling the heightened energy that surrounds a New Year.

My parents were teachers and both worked second jobs. Dad was a night manager at the Roses in Asheville and Mom spent evenings organizing and sorting Avon inventory, and this was in addition to our practices and other activities.

In listening to the tributes regarding the death of President Jimmy Carter, a phrase from his inauguration speech struck a chord: “…. individual sacrifice for the common good.” 

As I think ahead to 2024, I can’t help but feel so lucky to live here, in these mountains. 

I love the energy surrounding a new year. Why are beginnings so enchanting? Perhaps it’s the hope and anticipation of the unknown or maybe an open opportunity to shed old habits, behaviors and beliefs that are no longer serving us.

In a recent online search, I came across “Good Riddance, But Now What?” by that master of light verse, Ogden Nash: